SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement on the school funding vote:

“This is a historic moment for the state of Illinois. I am encouraged that the evidence-based school funding plan has passed the General Assembly and is awaiting the governor’s signature. For the first time we have a funding formula that provides fair and adequate funding for students throughout the state.

“However, I could not support some elements in this bill that send a very disingenuous message to taxpayers. This bill gives the false impression of helping middle class families receive a tax credit when in reality it provides tax credits for the wealthy at the expense of the middle class. It contains philosophical differences for which I cannot compromise. It takes money away from a state that is sorely in need of every dollar. The state cannot spend money it does not have.”